Viasat, a global communications company, announced today its dual-band (Ku-Ka) business aviation in-flight connectivity (IFC) system received Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) from the FAA certifying its use on the Bombardier Global 5000/6000/GEX family of business jets. At all stages of flight, crew and passengers aboard the Global 5000/6000/GEX family of aircraft are now able to enjoy advanced streaming services including Viasat Unlimited Streaming, participate in conference calls and leverage other business and entertainment applications.
“By delivering high-speed and high-quality in-flight connectivity, Viasat’s dual-band solution creates an enhanced passenger journey,” said Jerry Sanders, director, Business Development at StandardAero. “Bombardier owners will now have the option to invest in a new IFC system that will let passengers and crew use the internet however they prefer. Through this exclusive offer, StandardAero is providing a unique competitive option for aircraft owners.”
Viasat’s dual-band offering combines the advantages of Ka- and Ku-band into a single solution that provides added reliability. This hybrid service allows an aircraft to leverage the ability to shift between networks, utilizing Ku-band to supplement Ka-band services. The dual-band offering provides global high-speed coverage across the world’s most heavily traveled flight routes with speeds that are high-quality, consistent and available.
Built for the future, Viasat’s dual-band system will be forward-compatible with Viasat’s future-generation satellite constellation, ViaSat-3, which is expected to deliver greater global capacity and even higher internet speeds than Viasat’s current satellite fleet. In addition to delivering powerful speeds, Viasat’s dual-band system also provides a back-up connectivity solution, taking advantage of two networks from one trusted source.
“Securing STC approval for Bombardier Global 5000/6000/GEX aircraft is a significant milestone,” said Claudio D’Amico, business area director, Business Aviation, Viasat. “Our technical innovations and capabilities are enabling Bombardier Global business jet passengers and crew to be highly productive and entertained even at 40,000 feet. In working with StandardAero we are enabling business passengers and crew to get a high-quality service wherever they fly.”
Operators and other maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities that support Bombardier Global aircraft can work directly with StandardAero to install Viasat’s dual-band IFC system aboard the Bombardier Global 5000/6000/GEX.